Justin Bieber booed in Buffalo while announcing Maple Leafs' first-round draft pick

Justin Bieber made a surprise appearance at the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, New York, where he announced the No. 1 overall pick for his favorite team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Canadian pop star was greeted with boos from the Buffalo crowd when he expressed his love for the rival Maple Leafs, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Bieber was introduced by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman as one of the team's "most diehard and iconic fans," The Hollywood Reporter reported. The crowd's hostile reaction reflected the intense rivalry between the Buffalo Sabres and the Maple Leafs, with the draft taking place in Sabres territory.

The Maple Leafs selected forward Gavin McKenna from Whitehorse, Yukon, with the first overall pick. According to Rolling Stone, McKenna walked up to the stage to Bieber's song "Yukon" and will join the team after the draft.

Rolling StoneJustin Bieber Announces Gavin McKenna as Maple Leafs' First Overall Pick at 2026 NHL Draft

"most diehard and iconic fans"

While the boos underscored the cross-border tension, Bieber's presence as a celebrity announcer highlighted the star power the NHL has sought to bring to its draft events. Rolling Stone noted that McKenna's selection was the key moment of the evening, with Bieber personally making the announcement on stage.

The draft in Buffalo marked a rare instance of a pop star serving as the draft announcer for a rival team in enemy territory, a spectacle that blended sports fandom with entertainment flair.